Last Meal

Based on the True Story of the Bloody Benders

By: Paul Ibbetson

Narrated by: Molly King

Length: 6 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

In 1873, the largest serial-killing spree in American history happened along the Osage Trail in Kansas. The family would later be identified as the Bloody Benders. Unlike most criminals of their time, they escaped and were never caught. This true history is now captured in a gripping fictional tale that takes the horror of murder on the plains to a dark new level.

©2016 Paul Ibbetson (P)2016 Paul Ibbetson

Intriguing tale

I found Last Meal to be intriguing and mysterious. I thought the storyline and the plot went hand in hand because no one knows the whole truth. The characters were believable but not neighbors I would want to live next to.
I liked the narration but there were a few things that truly could not be helped. I loved how descriptive the book was without going over the top by being gory. I received this audio book at my request. On my own volition I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

wonderful tale of historical nature

I had never heard of them until I read this book, it really is a piece of work how nonfiction is intertwined with fiction and facts. the author truly gave each person a personality someone to see in your mind as the story progresses, I truly enjoyed this book I think anybody who enjoys historical books well enjoy this

Loved it!

I really enjoyed this book and all it’s gruesomeness. I know it was based on true events, but I think the fictional liberties that were taken really added to the story. At first I thought the narrators voice would put me to sleep, but it was actually soothing and made the listen more enjoyable.

Great book

I always thought that the benders got caught but in the end they got what was due. The book was good and I would read it again

Texas Chainsaw Massacre without the cannibalism

With a name like Last Meal, I’m sure you may expect this to get gory. I know I did. I went into this thinking Texas Chainsaw Massacre and got that minus the cannibalism. It’s still a crazy story, and one that would never happen today, so it was very interesting to listen to. Plus, the idea that these were the first serial killers, prior to Jack the Ripper, prior to everyone we know about sans maybe Bloody Mary!

The story itself is about a family that migrated to Kansas. They introduced themselves as Ma, Pa, Junior, and Kate. These titles are thought to be fictional, so they could fit in like a good, Christian family, like anyone at that time. They used their cabin as a small inn, for guests to have a respite during their travels, before heading through to the town. Kate and her mother were actually related and used their knowledge of herbs to talk to people and sell their knowledge by potions and spirituality, which were both growing popular during that time. This also allowed them to become friends with many people in the town and when people started going missing, of course, they were the last to be looked at.

In the book, Kate speaks to a man who she thinks is her benefactor. He saved her life early on in the book and she thinks he’s looking over or for her. He even tells her which people can be potential victims and which to stay away from. She believes him to be a specter because nobody else in the family can see him. Kate’s story in itself is very interesting and drew me in. You could almost believe that she was a victim. And she was, but not after 30 killings. She definitely pushes the envelope on empathy. And I’m actually curious if her story is as good as the author writes.

The audio was pretty good. The first copy I got fell off immediately and I was scared that was how it ended! ACK! But, fortunately, it was just a strange copy, thank goodness. I only had an hour left, but stopping in the middle, especially that far into the book was a nightmare! That didn’t have anything to do with the book, fortunately, and it ended very well. The narrator, Molly King, did read a little slowly, but maybe due to so much information coming in. There are a lot of people that this family takes in, to either kill or let move along, but either way, it’s a lot. But, due to that I wound up listening at 150%. Which is a bit normal for me, as I like listening faster, but at the regular pace, it seemed extremely slow.

Audiobook was provided for review by the author/narrator/publisher.

Please find this complete review and many others at my review blog.

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Interesting Book

I really enjoyed the book and how much depth the author went into about the topic. It's always interesting to hear about true crime.

I'm sorry to say, the narration was not my favorite. I do not like hearing extraneous noises such as breaths, mouth noises, etc. and there were plenty in this recording.

I received this audiobook from the author in exchange for an honest review via Audiobook Boom.

Pretty darn good

How could I resist a telling of the Legend of the Benders? It starts so well then the fictional part of the book pops up and ruins the plot ( for me ) BUT it is fascinating to listen to on a dreary winter day - an introduction to an early serial killer "family" that escaped - where after leaving Kansas - no one to this day has discovered where they went. Not gory or creepy, really just interesting.

Could not stop reading!

Oh my gracious. This was so entertaining since this was a fictional version of a true story. But it could possibly be very close to truth!

Murder and mystery!

Great listen! The narrator makes the story come alive!As the family killed for money. but they have a secret helper! From murder to mystery!😍

Extremely creative, mind gripping!

Very entertaining! A true masterpiece , the writer puts you in the mind of the killers. Hard to believe such a horrific thing happened in Kansas! Kudos for bringing the story to life with so much documented evidence combined with a tale that makes you wonder, could this all be true? Once you start this book you will be looking forward to you time the with the Benders! Up till the very end, it is action packed!!